A gas regulator takes the high pressure inside the cylinder and lowers it to the steady pressure an appliance is built for. Household appliances in South Africa run on a low pressure regulator, commonly 2.8 kPa, while some outdoor burners need a high pressure one. The regulator, the hose and every fitting must be made for LPG and matched to the cylinder valve and the appliance. This page covers regulator types, changeover valves, hoses and clamps, and the signs a part needs replacing. Send one request and local dealers will quote you for free, with no obligation.
Low pressure regulators for home appliances
Gas stoves, hobs, indoor heaters, braais and patio heaters are made for low pressure. The regulator screws or clicks onto the cylinder valve and must match that valve, so tell the dealer the cylinder size and type. About R100 to R130 buys a low pressure regulator for 9 to 48 kg cylinders, with the hose usually extra. On a piped installation the regulator is part of the system and is fitted by a gas installer, who issues a certificate of conformity for the work.
High pressure regulators and changeover valves
High pressure regulators, often adjustable, feed large outdoor burners such as boiling rings, potjie and wok burners, and some brooders and weed burners. Never fit one to an appliance made for low pressure: the flame can flare out of control. A changeover valve connects two cylinders and switches to the full one when the first runs empty, which suits houses and restaurants on two 48 kg cylinders. Many have an indicator that shows which side is in use, so you know when to order a swap. On a piped system the changeover valve is fitted by the installer, outside next to the cylinders.
LPG hose, clamps and fittings
- Use hose made and marked for LPG, never garden or water hose.
- Keep the hose as short as practical and away from hot surfaces, the back of an oven and sharp edges.
- Clamp both ends with proper hose clamps.
- Replace a hose that is cracked, hard, sticky, kinked or chewed, and do not join two pieces together.
- Use fittings and thread tape or sealant made for gas, and leak test every joint with soapy water after fitting.
Signs a regulator is failing
Watch for flames that are yellow, lazy or higher than usual, a flame that drops while the cylinder is still full, a hissing or gas smell at the regulator, or a regulator that is cracked, corroded or has been dropped. Regulators are not repaired: they are replaced, along with any hose that shows wear at the same time. If an appliance still burns badly with a new regulator, the fault is likely in the appliance, see gas leak detection and repairs.
What to include in your request
- The cylinder size and its valve type
- The appliance and whether it is low or high pressure
- Hose length needed
- One cylinder or two on a changeover
- Whether you want it fitted and tested
Gas Regulators & Hoses for different clients
- Homeowners: a new regulator and hose for the stove, heater or braai on a 9 kg
- Complexes, estates and body corporates: matching regulators and short hoses on cylinders kept in each unit's cage
- Restaurants, takeaways and bakeries: changeover valves on 48 kg banks so the kitchen never runs dry mid service
- Guest houses, lodges and venues: regulators and hoses checked and replaced on chalet braais before each season
- Farms and smallholdings: high pressure regulators for brooders, burners and the potjie fire
- Factories, warehouses and workshops: regulators and hose for canteen burners and space heating in workshops
- Campers, caravanners and event hosts: a matched regulator and hose for a camping cylinder or a portable braai
- Gas installers, plumbers and dealers: installers buying regulators, changeover valves and hose by the box
Frequently asked questions
How much is a gas regulator?
What is the difference between a low and a high pressure regulator?
How often should I replace a gas hose?
Where can I buy a gas regulator and hose?
Gas Regulators & Hoses by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg